Roma’s Summer Signings Have Them On The Right Track
However, after a good win against Palermo on Sunday thanks to a debut goal from Erik Lamela, there’s no doubt that the former Barcelona B coach has his side on the right track, despite a disappointing loss to bitter rivals Lazio last week.
It was a poor result, losing 2-1 in the final minute following the harsh dismissal of Simon Kjaer, but it was a far from bad performance, and until the young Dane was ejected, it was the Giallorossi who were the better side. The talent brought in over the summer shone through, with frequent fluid, flowing moves which should have resulted in a goal.
In terms of summer dealings, few teams have brought in more players than Roma, and there’s no doubting the quality which has been brought into the side as well, with Enrique’s Spanish connections helping him to attract players from his homeland, as well as stars in-the-making from outside the continent.
Three stars of the Roma show against Lazio were Bojan, Osvaldo and Pjanic; players who have joined the capital club over the summer, providing creativity in bucket loads. They carved out numerous chances throughout the game and would probably have won it, had they put their chances away.
What’s more, the system which Enrique has employed since taking charge of Roma has shown signs that it can succeed. A common misconception is that the former Barcelona star is trying to mould the Giallorossi into the same style as his former club, whereas in reality that isn’t the case.
Eight of Roma's starting XI vs Lazio were signed this summer
He has tended to set his side out in 4-3-1-2 formation – one which is most frequently used by all teams in the division. It’s usually a static, lethargic system, but his version has a fluid edge, with the aforementioned front trio able to freely switch positions, dragging defenders all over the place and creating chances for one another.
Another vital facet of the performance was the advancing of the full-backs, with young former Sporting Gijón player Jose Angel impressing greatly at left-back, frequently storming into the Lazio box. It was as a result of one of these barnstorming runs that Osvaldo slotted home the first goal of the game after a delicious chipped ball from Bosnian Pjanic.
Enrique hasn’t got his side to try to dominate possession and keep the ball like Barca do, it is more direct than that, but nevertheless uses a fluidity and width unlike what Serie A is used to.
With the good start the have made and with young starlets like Erik Lamela impressing, it’s looking ever harder for Francesco Totti to muscle his way back into the starting eleven. There’s no doubt that Roma are Scudetto challengers once more.
Follow Jack Sargeant on Twitter: @sargeant_j and be sure to check out Jack’s sports blog as well.
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